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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Asphodelaceae (~Liliaceae) |
| Origin: Africa, Central (Africa) |
| Flower Color: Apricot |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Height: 3-5 feet |
| Width: 2-4 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F |
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Kniphofia thomsonii (Alpine Poker) - This Kniphofia, the only alpine in the genus, is an East African species that occurs up to about 13,000 ft on Mount Kilimanjaro. It grows to only about 3 ft tall in the wild, but in cultivation the inflorescences can reach 5 ft. The keel-shaped leaves are a glaucous blue green. The orange flowers are widely scattered (lax) on the last 18" of the inflorescence. This plant usually favors damp soil, but can also grow in fairly dry situations. The name Kniphofia honors Johann Hieronymus Kniphof (1704 -1763), a German physician and botanist. The pronunciation of this genus is often argued about and while most continue to use the easiest to pronounce versions such as ny-FOE-fee-ah or nee-FOF-ee-a, others argue correctly that the name should follow the pronunciation of the name it commemorates. But even for this there are differences of opinion owing to different German regional dialects - one such pronunciation often noted as correct is nip-HOFF-ee-uh while another that is particularly hard to pronounce is k-nip-HOF-ia. Keeping it simple we still use ny-FOE-fee-ah.
This information is based on research conducted about this plant in our nursery library and from reliable online sources. We also take into consideration observations of it in our nursery of crops, as well as of plants growing in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens we have visited. We will incorporate comments received from others and welcome getting feedback from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if it includes cultural information that would aid others in growing Kniphofia thomsonii. |
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